Bonfire at Josh's farm

Yup, see that horse? She licked me...much to Henry's delight. We were at his friend Josh's house tonight, and they wanted to give us a tour of the barn. As soon as we walked in, "Happy" the horse came right over and licked Josh on the head. Then, I tried to pet her, and she licked me. The boys thought that was hilarious, maybe partly due to my surprised reaction. She was just like a great big dog, the sweet thing. Turnabout is fair play though. Josh's mom gave Henry a treat to give her, and the horse licked him. Henry was so startled that, as you can see, he dropped the treat!

They also had a huge bonfire, where they roasted hot dogs, campfire pie, and peanut butter s'mores. I brought home one tired boy tonight!

Evan's First Trick or Treat

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HAPPY, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

What a wonderful day! Halloween was perfect this year. Next Halloween when the weather is rainy and cold, I'll think back about this one and sigh...

I was able to go to both Henry's and Seth's class parties. There is nothing quite like an elementary school Halloween party...excited kids, costumes, sugar...fun, but a bit high on the stimulus scale. Caroline's school does not celebrate Halloween, but I did get to see her take her school picture, and help her smile her "real" smile :). When we got home from school, we took some pictures, and then went out almost right away to go trick or treating with friends. Evan did well once he figured out that his pumpkin candy bucket was not a hat! The older three were so fast this year. Evan definitely could not keep up, but he held his own in that he lasted for about 5 blocks. He would have made it longer if I didn't need to get home to make dinner...mmm...Chicken A La Ryan! He ran to the door as fast as his little legs could carry him every time we had trick or treaters! When Dave got back with Henry, Seth and Caroline, everyone was famished, so they ate really well. After dinner, the older three sat on our front porch with me to pass out candy. They almost liked that as much as getting the candy themselves (although Henry just denied that statement). We then went to a neighbor's house for a Halloween party and stayed out absolutely too late. But the kids, of course, had a great time! All in all, a day full of fabulous memories!

Seth's class...he's the red ninja!

Henry and one of his closest friends, Sam. They unwittingly chose the same costume!
Seth enjoying a treat at his class party

Can't wait to trick or treat!!!

The ninja brothers strike a pose...

Evan refused to wear his Indian headress for a while, going instead with the fashionable pumpkin candy bucket hat.

An almost two year old on a trick or treat mission

Evan and his friend, Ryan, checking each other out

Dave is a good Dad!

Passing out Halloween candy on the front porch

Kissing a ghost!

They brought home a LOT of candy!

Evan checking to see if his pumpkin is functioning properly

More Scenes from Halloween

Here's some of our favorite pictures from last Halloween...just thought I'd wet your appetite for what's coming tomorrow. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Scenes from Halloween

Pictures from past Halloweens...the one of Caroline peeking into the pumpkin was taken when she was about Evan's age. The others were taken the Halloween before Evan was born. Time is flying!

Caroline Walking the Line

For safety reasons, the kids' swimming instructors have a rule that when walking around the pool, the children must hold hands, walk on a line, and go slowly. We have been going to swimming lessons at this particular facility for about a year now, and even though I've seen the kids do this so many times, it always makes me giggle.

Pumpkin Palooza

It amazes me every year the sheer amount of time that goes into carving pumpkins with 4 kids. But what a ball!! After school, I had the kids take the seeds out of the pumpkins. The boys decided that it was such a messy job that they needed to take their shirts off. Caroline, not to be outdone, decided she needed to do the same! They designed the face they wanted on their pumpkin and we carved away. We fit in a hamburger dinner, watched a little Charlie Brown, and it was back to carving. When we were finished, they were so pleased with the results! We sat in the dark with the pumpkins lit up, admiring our handiwork, with Mom snapping oodles of pictures. Evan was fascinated, and kept taking the lid off his pumpkin to check that the candle was still there. He was a little chatterbox, and firmly has added the words "pumpkin", "candle" and "funny" to his vocabulary. By the time we were done, it was time for the kids to go to bed! (Click on any picture to view bigger.)

Library Fun

Our library has such nice programs for kids. We can't seem to get enough of it...Caroline has a Kindergarten readiness class, and both Evan and Caroline have storytimes. All said, we are at the library for a short period of time 3 mornings a week! This morning, Caroline and her friends were able to dress up in their Halloween costumes, and Watson, the library's mascot joined them. A few of Caroline's friends from preschool are also in her class, so she sees many of her closest friends 5 days a week! (By the way, if you hadn't guessed, she is the purple fairy with the pink crown!)
Because Evan is at the library so often, he has decided to expand his exploration beyond the toy area. Who needs toys when you and your buddy, Matthew, can play in study cubicles? That's what they say. I'm hoping that these two can go to preschool together. They are good pals.